Additional Chemical Treatment Research Articles

Complementary Superwetting Structures Treated by a Femtosecond Laser for Simultaneous Spontaneous Directional Transport of Water Droplets and Underwater Bubbles.

The control of fluid transport is crucial and has broad applications in the fields of intelligent systems and microfluidics. However, current studies usually focus on the spontaneous directional transport of a single type of fluid or require complex preparation processes. In this paper, the single femtosecond laser direct processing of complementary superwetting structures using polyimide/polytetrafluoroethylene is proposed, for the first time, to realize simultaneous spontaneous directional transport of water droplets and underwater bubbles without any additional energy or chemical treatment. The flexible laser fabrication enables the creation of diverse transport structures, facilitating the achievement of linear and curvilinear fluid transport on superwetting structures. In addition, relevant applications in self-transporting chemical reactions and bubble switching are presented. This technique provides a novel approach to fabricate patterned superwetting surfaces for applications in intelligent transport, microbiology, and chemistry.

Diatoms Inspired Green Janus Fabric for Efficient Fog Harvesting

AbstractFog harvesting is a promising path against the global freshwater scarcity. Asymmetric wettability fabric‐based fog collection materials inspired by the Namib desert beetle have been reported widely due to their easy access and adjustable structures. Nevertheless, the single drive force for water transportation produced by the asymmetric wettability is insufficient, causing a non‐ideal fog harvesting efficiency. Moreover, sustainability challenges persist for fog collection materials, primarily due to their heavy dependence on chemical treatments. Herein, a diatom‐inspired Janus fabric (Ly/Csp‐3) based on asymmetric wettability and aperture gradient is developed without additional physical or chemical treatment. The wettability gradient and aperture gradient generate dual directional drive forces that regulate the water transport direction more accurately and enhance the transportation rate more effectively. Ly/Csp‐3 reaches a one‐way transport index of 390.7% and a water collecting rate (WCR) of 1170.5 mg cm−2 h−1, while exhibiting the capability of anti‐acid rain and the resistance to sunlight. This work provides an efficient and programmable biomimetic design proposal for fibrous fog harvesting devices.

Issues of classification and examination of lemons in the course of forensic commodity expertise

Identification and examination of export-import goods, in particular lemons, plays a significant role in facilitating the detection of customs violations and crimes, as well as in ensuring preventive measures to eliminate them. The article analyses the peculiarities of examination of citrus fruits, in particular lemons, with a view to their classification under classifier of goods Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity. The methodological approaches to the classification of citrus fruits within the framework of commodity expertise are considered. The main diagnostic tasks to be solved by a forensic expert in the course of lemon examination are identified: determination of product quality, chemical analysis, phytopathological analysis, toxicological analysis, organoleptic analysis, microbiological analysis, identification of origin, assessment of storage and transportation conditions. Modern analytical methods allow to conduct a comprehensive study of lemons at various levels – molecular, chemical and morphological – to obtain objective data on their quality, safety and other important characteristics. This data can be useful in legal proceedings to determine the origin, compliance with quality standards and dispute resolution. The article summarises information on the typical defects of lemons, namely: mechanical damage, diseases and lesions, growth and development defects, skin defects, parasites and pests, physiological defects, chemical defects (these defects are of natural origin). Defects inherent in low-quality products with signs of deterioration include mechanical damage, rot and mould, discolouration, wrinkling, shape defects, pests, disease damage, additional chemical treatment, loss of aroma and taste, improper storage and transportation, black spots, and skin tears. The mechanism for conducting a forensic examination of lemons is described in detail.

Effect of secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment methods on opioids and the subsequent environmental impact of effluent and biosolids

Opioids are widely distributed, potent prescription analgesics that are known to be diverted for illicit use. Their prevalence of use is reflected by high concentrations of parent compounds and/or metabolites found in samples collected from wastewater treatment plants. Given that treatment byproducts enter the environment through several routes, the consequences of insufficient removal by treatment methods include unwanted environmental exposure and potential to disrupt ecosystems. Activated sludge treatment has been widely investigated for a large suite of prescription opioids but the same cannot be said for UV and chlorination. Additionally, the biosolid cycle of opioids has been overlooked previously. This study aimed to determine the extent to which secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment methods remove opioids from influent, and the associated environmental exposure for those persistent, as well as the fate of opioids in biosolids. Membrane bioreactor treatment proved effective for natural and semi-synthetic opioids while the effect of UV treatment was negligible. Chlorination was the most effective treatment method resulting in effluent with concentrations below theoretical predicted no-effect concentration. Biosolids are not subjected to any additional biological or chemical treatment after membrane bioreactor treatment and the levels detected in biosolid used as fertiliser had several opioids at potentially hazardous concentrations, indicated by a QSAR theoretical model. This data indicates a potential issue regarding the treatment process of biosolids and reliance on chlorination for effluent treatment that should be investigated in other treatment plants.

Green smart multifunctional wooden roofs enabled by single-step hydrophobic laser-induced graphene fabrication

Global warming, contributing to the worsening climate crisis, has led to more frequent heavy snowfall and rainfall. This causes corrosion, mold, and structural damage to roofs, which shortens the roofs' lifespan and potentially creates safety hazards. Addressing these challenges, we propose an approach to develop a multifunctional roof crucial for proactive adaptation to extreme weather. In this article, we present hydrophobic laser-induced graphene (LIG) onto wood in a single-step process using femtosecond-laser-direct-writing (FsLDW) technology in ambient air without additional chemical treatment. This hydrophobic LIG, showcasing a high electrical conductivity of 10.0 Ω·sq⁻1 and a high contact angle of 148.8°, seamlessly integrates onto roofs, creating cost-effective, fast, eco-friendly, and smart roofing solutions. The hydrophobic surface of these LIG electrodes incorporates a heating function of LIG showcasing their versatility in providing waterproofing, drying wood, and facilitating de-icing functions. This eco-friendly invention, reliant solely on laser patterning on wood, not only extends roof lifespan but also relieves concerns about electronic waste and recycling, promising the integration of green, smart, and sustainable roofing solutions.

Impact of surface chemical treatment in surgical regenerative treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis: A canine study.

Implant surface decontamination is a critical step in peri-implantitis treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect chemotherapeutic agents have on reosseointegration after treatment on ligature-inducted peri-implantitis. Six male canines had 36 implants placed and ligatures were placed around them for 28 weeks to establish peri-implantitis. The peri-implant defects were randomly treated by 1 of 3 methods: 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX test group), 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl test group), or saline (Control group). Sites treated with NaOCl and CHX were grafted with autogenous bone, and all sites then either received a collagen membrane or not. Histology sections were obtained at 6 months postsurgery to assess percentage of reosseointegration. Thirty-five implants were analyzed (CHX: 13; NaOCl: 14; Control:8). NaOCl-treated sites demonstrated reosseointegration with direct bone-to-implant-contact on the previously contaminated surfaces (42% mean reosseointegration), which was significantly higher than Controls (p<0.05). Correspondingly, clinical improvement was noted with a significant reduction in probing depth from 5.50±1.24mm at baseline to 4.46±1.70mm at 6-months postsurgery (p=0.006). CHX-treated sites demonstrated a nonsignificant reosseointegration of 26% (p>0.05); however, in the majority of cases, the new bone growth was at a distance from the implant surface without contact. Probing depths did not improve in the CHX group. The use of membrane did not influence reosseointegration or probing depths (all p>0.05). Titanium implants with peri-implantitis have the capacity to reosseointegrate following regenerative surgery. However, treatment response is contingent upon the chemotherapeutic agent selection. Additional chemical treatment with 1.5% NaOCl lead to the most favorable results in terms of changes in defect depth and percentage of reosseointegration as compared to CHX, which may hinder reosseointegration.

The water-soluble fraction of extracellular polymeric substances from a resource recovery demonstration plant: characterization and potential application as an adhesive.

Currently, there is a growing interest in transforming wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into resource recovery plants. Microorganisms in aerobic granular sludge produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are considered sustainable resources to be extracted and can be used in diverse applications. Exploring applications in other high-value materials, such as adhesives, will not only enhance the valorization potential of the EPS but also promote resource recovery. This study aimed to characterize a water-soluble fraction extracted from the EPS collected at the demonstration plant in the Netherlands based on its chemical composition (amino acids, sugar, and fatty acids) and propose a proof-of-concept for its use as an adhesive. This fraction comprises a mixture of biomolecules, such as proteins (26.6 ± 0.3%), sugars (21.8 ± 0.2%), and fatty acids (0.9%). The water-soluble fraction exhibited shear strength reaching 36-51 kPa across a pH range of 2-10 without additional chemical treatment, suggesting a potential application as an adhesive. The findings from this study provide insights into the concept of resource recovery and the valorization of excess sludge at WWTPs.

Adverse developmental impacts in progeny of zebrafish exposed to the agricultural herbicide atrazine during embryogenesis

Atrazine (ATZ) is an herbicide commonly used on crops in the Midwestern US and other select global regions. The US Environmental Protection Agency ATZ regulatory limit is 3 parts per billion (ppb; µg/L), but this limit is often exceeded. ATZ has a long half-life, is a common contaminant of drinking water sources, and is indicated as an endocrine disrupting chemical in multiple species. The zebrafish was used to test the hypothesis that an embryonic parental ATZ exposure alters protein levels leading to modifications in morphology and behavior in developing progeny. Zebrafish embryos (F1) were collected from adults (F0) exposed to 0, 0.3, 3, or 30 ppb ATZ during embryogenesis. Differential proteomics, morphology, and behavior assays were completed with offspring aged 120 or 144 h with no additional chemical treatment. Proteomic analysis identified differential expression of proteins associated with neurological development and disease; and organ and organismal morphology, development, and injury, specifically the skeletomuscular system. Head length and ratio of head length to total length was significantly increased in the F1 of 0.3 and 30 ppb ATZ groups (p < 0.05). Based on molecular pathway alterations, further craniofacial morphology assessment found decreased distance for cartilaginous structures, decreased surface area and distance between saccular otoliths, and a more posteriorly positioned notochord (p < 0.05), indicating delayed ossification and skeletal growth. The visual motor response assay showed hyperactivity in progeny of the 30 ppb treatment group for distance moved and of the 0.3 and 30 ppb treatment groups for time spent moving (p < 0.05). Due to the changes in saccular otoliths, an acoustic startle assay was completed and showed decreased response in the 0.3 and 30 ppb treatments (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that a single embryonic parental exposure alters cellular pathways in their progeny that lead to perturbations in craniofacial development and behavior.

The pretreatment method in marine organisms and sediment for microplastics analysis by FTIR using “Cylindrical microplastics fractionator”

For the detection of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic biota using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the ability to remove organic matter (OM) in pretreatment steps is essential to increase the time efficiency of MPs measurement and method uniformity. In principle, decreasing OM can be achieved by increasing the number of pretreatment steps. However, MPs are lost in proportion to the number of transfers between each step. Therefore, we have created a "Cylindrical MPs Fractionator" composed of commercially available materials. This container allows for a six-step pretreatment process that is designed to increase the removal capacity of OM with only one transfer to prevent the loss of MPs.•Biological or sediment samples are placed in the extractor and subjected to chemical treatment and density separation.•Residues containing MPs are obtained on filters by vacuum filtration.•After additional chemical treatment of the obtained residue, the components of the residue are identified by microscopic FTIR.This method removed 99.3% of OM and recovered 88.5% of MPs. The presenting method confirmed that this can be used with the same process for 11 organisms and sediments from estuarine ecosystem in Japan as models.

Valorizing saline biomass from horticultural waste via pyrolysis

Large emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are severely affecting the planet. Thus, considerable effort has been undertaken to deploy technologies for CO2 capture and long-term storage. Biochar is a carbon-rich material that can have a two-fold contribution toward mitigating climate change: (a) it enhances soil fertility, thus reducing the requirement for fertilizers and (b) it can persist in soil for thousands of years, serving as a carbon sink material. Herein, we evaluate the operating conditions required to produce biochar using saline biomass obtained from horticultural waste in a university campus on the coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. The biomass has >10 wt% of Ca, Na, and Mg, which allows for the production of microporous biochar with a surface area of ∼150 m2/g without any additional chemical or physical activation treatment. The bio-oil obtained as an associated product has ∼25 %–50 % of terpenoids and 9 %–42 % of phenols, and its composition varies based on the pyrolysis conditions. These high-value compounds can enhance the economic feasibility of a process that can contribute to environmental remediation.

Development of Binder-Free Pigment Inks for Direct Inkjet Printing on Cotton Fabric without Pretreatment.

Inkjet printing technology is widely used in the textile digital printing application today though the current technology still requires pretreatment and postwashing procedures before and after printing. Additional chemical treatment generates a large amount of wastewater and complicates the process. Among the many potential approaches for reducing chemical waste, pigments with self-dispersing capability were prepared and formulated into binder-free inkjet inks that require no pretreatment or after-washing process when printing cotton fabrics. The new self-dispersing pigment inks were tested and evaluated on cotton fabrics. The distribution of particles was between 122.2 and 188.5 nm, and inks have excellent storage capability. Printed fabrics' light fastness and acid/alkali resistance are about grade 5, and printed cotton's washing and rubbing fastness are above grade 3. The mechanism and performance of ink drops were investigated by LF-NMR and ink-drop observation methods. This work provides a possible solution for reducing wastewater in the textile industry.

Design and photo-Fenton performance of Graphene/CuS/Fe3O4 tertiary nanocomposites for Rhodamine B degradation

This study describes nanocomposites of graphene flakes (GF) combined with CuS, Fe3O4 and CuS−Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by wet chemical methods. The Fe3O4 and/or CuS nanoparticles were directly anchored onto GF without requiring additional chemical treatment. The composition, structure and morphology of the nanocomposites, as well as of the pristine GF and metal oxide/sulfide nanoparticles were characterised by X − ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X − ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results confirmed the successful attachment of CuS nanophases (size range: 23.7–50.1 nm) and/or Fe3O4 nanoparticles (size range: 10.6–15.8 nm). The adsorption and photocatalytic properties of the GF−based nanocomposites were evaluated at room temperature using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model contaminant. Theoretical models were fitted to the adsorption kinetic results using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich equations, while the adsorption mechanism was determined using the intraparticle diffusion, Bangham and Boyd models. The RhB adsorption efficiency was 6.5% for GF@CuS−Fe3O4 after 180 min contact time, whereas for the other materials was significantly higher: 97.6%, 60.9% and 31.9% for GF, GF@CuS and GF@Fe3O4, respectively. The adsorption capacity of GF and composites fitted the pseudo−second−order kinetic and Elovich models. The influence of the nanostructures composition on the corresponding photocatalytic activity in the degradation of RhB under a 150 W halogen lamp was also evaluated. The GF@CuS−Fe3O4 nanocomposite totally eliminated the dissolved RhB after 60 min irradiation, whereas the GF@CuS, GF@Fe3O4 and pristine Fe3O4 removed 75.6%, 80.9% and 30.8%, respectively, after 180 min irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic behaviour of the composites was best described by the first−order kinetic model. The rate constant of the photocatalytic RhB removal for GF@CuS−Fe3O4 (k = 7.05 ×10−2 min−1) was 2.1, 5.1 and 15.0 times higher than those obtained for GF@CuS, GF@Fe3O4 and pristine Fe3O4, respectively, after 60 min of visible light irradiation.

Study of the Evolution of the Surface Properties of ZnO Powders under the Action of Mechanoactivation

At present, the development of semiconductor sensor elements that detect hazardous oxides (CO, CO2) is an urgent scientific and technical task. As a rule, wide-gap metal oxides, such as ZnO, CuO, are used as a sensor matrix. Today, there are a large number of approaches to the synthesis and modification of gas-sensitive semiconductors with the possibility of sensitivity to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The state of the environment and the forms of morbidity that occur in this area. The ultimate goal of the study is to find the optimal conditions for the mechanical grinding of zinc oxide in order to achieve the maximum value of the chemoresistive response. In this paper, we studied the patterns of evolution of defects and chemical features of the surface under the action of mechanoactivation in the attritor. Using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method, we studied samples ground for 1, 3, and 5 hours using an attritor in an isopropyl alcohol without additional chemical treatment. Deconvolution was carried out by subtracting the Shirley background and then fitting the peak to the Voigt functions, which have a mixed character of Gauss and Lorentz. As a result, it was found that the ratios between the elements and their phases correlate with the stoichiometry of the sample.

One 3D aerogel wearable pressure sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity, wide working range, low detection limit for voice recognition and physiological signal monitoring

With the rapid development of intelligent electronic devices, there is a growing demand for wearable pressure sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity, a wide working range, and a low detection limit simultaneously. In this paper, we create a piezoresistive pressure sensor with an ultralight (29.5 mg cm−3) and elastic three-dimensional (3D) chitosan/MXene (CS/MXene) composite aerogel. Because of the strong electrostatic attraction between CS and MXene, CS/MXene aerogels with good mechanical properties can be obtained in a single freeze-drying step with no additional chemical treatment. Furthermore, the abundant amino and carboxyl groups in CS form hydrogen bonds with the −O and −F groups on the surface of MXene, significantly improving the mechanical strength of the composite aerogel. As a result, the CS/MXene composite aerogel sensor has a sensitivity of 709.38 kPa−1 in small pressure region (<1 kPa) and 252.37 kPa−1 in large pressure region (1–20 kPa), which are the highest values reported among the same type of aerogel sensors in the same pressure ranges. Furthermore, the sensor has a fast response time (120 ms), an ultralow detection limit of 1.4 Pa, and good stability (10,000 cycles with almost no fatigue). Because of the improved sensitivity, the competitive aerogel sensor can be used in a voice recognition system that can distinguish between different audio components. It also shows promise in detecting human and animal physiological signals ranging from low to high pressure and mapping spatial pressure distributions.

Accounting for Overcounting Induced by 222Rn Contamination in 14C Measurements Performed with Liquid Scintillation Counting

Abstract This research paper introduces a methodology for estimating overcounting resulting from uranium series radionuclides, with a specific focus on 222Rn contamination. The method is demonstrated using the Quantulus 1220TM spectrometer. Exponential fitting is employed for the calculations, utilizing a custom algorithm developed in MATLAB® R2022b. The proposed method allows for the determination of the sample count rate correction, F14C and radiocarbon age without the need for additional chemical treatment or specialized electronics during liquid scintillation counting (LSC) measurements with the Quantulus 1220TM spectrometer. However, the method does have certain limitations. It requires a significant number of cycles and extended measurement time per cycle, but it can be applied to samples with significant 222Rn contamination that require rapid 14C analysis.

IMPACT OF THERMAL MODIFICATION COMBINED WITH SILICON COMPOUNDS TREATMENT ON WOOD STRUCTURE

In the present study silicon containing formulations were investigated for their applicability in solid wood modification. Black pine sapwood was thermally modified at 180oC and 200oC (3, 5 and 7 hours) and afterwards,an additional chemical treatment with silicon containing systems (N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) followed, in an attempt toinvigorate hydrophobicity and durability of wood. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the formation of new bonds in the treated materials and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to measure the silane concentration. The results showed a high reactivity between thermally modified wood and organosilicon compounds. The presence of bands representing vibrationsof the Si–O–CH3group in IR spectra of modified wood and after extraction confirms the stable character of the formed bonds between the hydroxyl group of wood and the methoxy groups of organosilanes. Furthermore, reactivity between wood and AE-APTMOS and alkyd resin solution was confirmed by the AAS results. Alkyd resin caused ahigher concentration of silica in wood mass, which increases as the thermal treatment temperature increases. The organosilicon compounds caused a much higher resistance to water washout, revealing permanent binding of silanes to wood mass.

Direct preparation of solid carbon dots by pyrolysis of collagen waste and their applications in fluorescent sensing and imaging.

The fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have found their extensive applications in sensing, bioimaging, and photoelectronic devices. In general terms, the synthesis of CDs is straight-forward, though their subsequent purification can be laborious. Therefore, there is a need for easier ways to generate solid CDs with a high conversion yield. Herein, we used collagen waste as a carbon source in producing solid CDs through a calcination procedure without additional chemical decomposition treatment of the raw material. Considering a mass of acid has destroyed the original protein macromolecules into the assembled structure with amino acids and peptide chains in the commercial extraction procedure of collagen product. The residual tissues were assembled with weak intermolecular interactions, which would easily undergo dehydration, polymerization, and carbonization during the heat treatment to produce solid CDs directly. The calcination parameters were surveyed to give the highest conversion yield at 78%, which occurred at 300°C for 2 h. N and S atomic doping CDs (N-CDs and S-CDs) were synthesized at a similar process except for immersion of the collagen waste in sulfuric acid or nitric acid in advance. Further experiments suggested the prepared CDs can serve as an excellent sensor platform for Fe3+ in an acid medium with high anti-interference. The cytotoxicity assays confirmed the biosafety and biocompatibility of the CDs, suggesting potential applications in bioimaging. This work provides a new avenue for preparing solid CDs with high conversion yield.

Incorporation of olive pomace as a natural filler in to the PA6 matrix: Effect on the structure and thermal properties of synthetic Polyamide 6

In recent years, due to less environmental pollution, ecological products are recommended more and more by the different environmental unions and cooperation. To achieve this, industries have studied the use of composite materials based on natural resources because of their lightness, their resistance to corrosion, their biodegradability, and their wide availability. In the same context, the current work may open up a new way of developing an original biocomposite material by taking advantage of integrating Olive Pomace Powder (OPP) as a filler on the PA6 matrix. This technical polymer is one of the most widely used polymers thanks to its chemical and physical stability, thermal resistance, low cost, and availability.The dry OPP is used without any additional chemical treatment; it had particle sizes (160–250 μm). The PA6/OPP was prepared thanks to polymerization in situ, a new innovative way to fabricate our biocomposite. The rate of OPP varies from 5% to 20% by weight. The structural, physicochemical, and thermal behavior was determined using FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA-DTA techniques. The morphology of the samples was analyzed with the SEM technique. The results show that the addition of OPP does not diminish the properties of PA6 till a ratio of 20% by weight. The density and the crystallinity of PA6/OPP were almost unchangeable than PA6. It was also found that after adding 20% OPP, the crystalization temperature Tc and melting temperature Tm were the same as PA6, while the decomposition temperature Td increases slightly. These results show that this incorporation can be a way to valorize the OPP and on the other hand reduce the cost of the final product fabricating with the PA6 matrix.

Dispersion of unfractionated CO2-derived protein-rich microalgae (Chlorella sp. HS2) for ecofriendly polymer composite fabrication

This study investigates unfractionated protein-rich microalgae (Chlorella sp. HS2) (HS2) as a new CO2-derived biomass filler resource with which to develop an ecofriendly microalgae-based polymer composite. Unfractionated HS2 is mixed with poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) over wide range of concentrations ranging from 10 to 70 wt%. The dispersion of HS2 is analyzed based on morphological, rheological and mechanical measurements. Protein-rich HS2 has hydrophilic-hydrophobic surface due to the existence of chemical functional groups (CO, N-H) caused by high protein content (51% protein), predicting compatibility with EVA with polar functional (CO). Due to this compatibility, with 10–30 wt% of HS2, the composite shows a homogeneous micrometer-scale dispersion of HS2 in the EVA matrix (avg. diameter (Davg) ~ 7 µm). The composite maintains the dispersion of the HS2 without significant coalescence or network formation up to 50 wt% of HS2 (Davg ~ 10 µm). Correspondingly, the storage modulus (G′ at 0.1 rad/s) of the composite increases linearly until the HS2 content reaches 40 wt%, after which it increases exponentially with an increase in the HS2 content. An EVA composite with 10–20 wt% HS2 shows increased ductility (from 1700% to 2000% elongation at break with 10 wt% HS2) without a decrease in the tensile strength due to the homogeneous dispersion. Even with higher concentration of HS2, the composite maintains its ductile behavior and retains its synergistic effect with EVA (~ 500% elongation at break with 70 wt% HS2). The compatibility of HS2 with EVA and their hydrophilic surface delay agglomeration or percolation formation of HS2 cells in a polymer. This study suggests that protein-rich HS2 is a promising biomass filler that disperses in a polymer to the micrometer scale without additional chemical treatment.

High efficiency solar interfacial evaporator for seawater desalination based on high porosity loofah sponge biochar

Materials based on biochar have good application prospects in the field of solar interfacial evaporation. However, due to their amorphous structure, most biochar materials often require additional chemical treatment for interfacial evaporation, which is inconsistent with the original intention for low cost and easy fabrication. Here, a solar absorption layer made of loofah sponge biochar prepared by direct compression and carbonization and a substrate with water conveyance and heat insulation effects were combined into a squashed loofah sponge biochar interfacial evaporator (SLSBIE). The SLSBIE achieved an evaporation rate of 1.565 kg m−2 h−1 and an evaporation efficiency of 80.66% under 1 sun (1000 W m−2). The good performance of the SLSBIE is mainly due to the porosity (554.1 m2 g−1), light absorptivity (89.21%), and hydrophilicity (rich in C-O and C=O) of the structure of loofah sponge biochar, as well as the optimization. The heat loss and energy balance of LSBIE were analyzed in detail. The measured concentrations of Na+, Mg+, K+, Ca2+ and total dissolved solids of condensate water met the standards of the World Health Organization for drinking water, which indicated that SLSBIE had good practicability.